THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF JAY COOKEJay Cooke State Park gives you a piece of rugged Minnesota you didn’t even know we had All photos courtesy of Cassie Bauman By Lianna Matt In her 23 years as a park naturalist, Kristine Hiller has been at Minnesota’s Jay Cooke...

COMO REGIONAL PARKWith a zoo, gardens, pool, picnic areas, athletic fields and much more, Como Regional Park in St. Paul is one of the best places to play this summer By Claire Noack Como Regional Park, otherwise known as Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, is an urban...

FOREST LAKETake a boat out on the lake for a variety of local catches. Image by Todd Buchanan/Greenspring Media Located in the east metro, this is a popular fishing lake with plenty of Largemouth Bass, Walleye and Muskie. While there is no public shore fishing on the...

LAKE HARRIETGrab a meal or have a picnic on the banks of this picturesque lake, known for its walleye fishing. Image by Erica Loeks/Greenspring Media Though the lake is known for being a recreational hot spot, it is also a great shore fishing spot, especially when...

LAKE INDEPENDENCE This giant lake is perfect for water sports of all kinds. Image by Erica Loeks/Greenspring Media In a serene rural setting, this body of water attracts anglers of all skill levels. The 800-some-acre lake is known for being more peaceful than other...

BOAT FISHING Whether it’s a sailboat, a pontoon, or a canoe, your boat becomes the perfect fishing spot in Minnesota waters. Image by Todd Buchanan/Greenspring Media Many lakes in the Twin Cities have public access slips where you can easily launch your boat and...